W.Va. Board Approves Policy Revisions

January 11, 2013

CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The West Virginia Board of Education approved three policy updates to achievement standards for students with significant cognitive disabilities.

Board members approved revisions to portions of state Policy 2520, which defines what courses should contain for all programs of study. The specific changes establish separate alternative academic achievement standards for science, English language arts and mathematics for students with severe learning challenges. Previously, the standards had been combined into one policy.

Policy 2520.16 addresses science standards, 2520.161 addresses English language arts and 2520.162 addresses mathematics. The separate policies for English and math are consistent with recommended standards by the Dynamic Learning Maps (DLM) Alternate Assessment System Consortium and the Common Core Essential Elements (CCEE). Because the science standards have not yet been revised, no changes were made to science in Policy 2520.16.

The Common Core, which is called Next Generation Standards in West Virginia, is a more concise and focused version of West Virginia’s previous Content Standards and Objectives. Teachers from across the state developed the new state standards.

Educators, parents and community members are encouraged to review the proposed changes and make suggestions. The policy can be viewed on the West Virginia Department of Education website at http://wvde.state.wv.us/policies. For more information, contact the Office of Communication at (304) 558-2699.